Chapter 27

The wind whipped through the city streets as Erica stood at the edge of the park, hidden in the shadow of an old oak tree. Her eyes scanned the landscape, watching the figures moving in the distance. The world outside was quiet—dogs barking, a couple strolling by—but none of it reached her. Every muscle in her body was tense, her heartbeat steady but heavy. The anticipation of what was to come kept her nerves on edge.

Julian was beside her, his breath visible in the crisp air. He hadn’t spoken much since they left the house. His movements were smooth, efficient, but there was a weight in his silence that Erica couldn’t ignore. His face, always composed, was harder to read than ever. He was a statue carved of granite, solid and unmoving.

“They’ll be here soon,” Julian finally said, his voice low, barely a whisper over the wind.

Erica’s hand tightened on the strap of the bag slung over her shoulder. Inside was everything they had prepared for—papers, files, tools of persuasion. It felt